The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has urged the Supreme Court to ensure that charges currently imposed on shopping bags are directed to the government’s Environmental Conservation Levy Fund, rather than private accounts.

The case, taken up on Friday (15), stems from concerns over the widespread use of shopping bags and single‑use plastics such as polythene, which contribute heavily to environmental pollution.

In 2020, following a petition by CEJ, the Supreme Court ordered a complete ban on the free distribution of shopping bags. The Court also directed that if bags are provided, a price must be set according to their size. As a result, the current system charges Rs. 3.00 and Rs. 5.00 per bag.

However, CEJ argued that under the Environmental Conservation Levy Act, such charges must be credited to the government’s levy fund. At present, private shop owners and supermarkets are pocketing the money, meaning no funds are collected for conservation.

CEJ told the Court this practice violates existing law and infringes on the fundamental rights of the public. The case was heard before Supreme Court Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Wengappuli, and Sampath Wijeratne, who scheduled the next hearing for November 3, 2026.

At the hearing, CEJ requested that while charges should remain in place, “the money should not go into private accounts. Instead, it must be credited to the government’s Environmental Conservation Levy Fund established by law.” The organization asked the Court to order a mechanism ensuring funds are remitted to the state.

Respondents named in the case include Finance Minister (President) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Minister of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority, and the Consumer Affairs Authority. Senior Counsel Dr. Ravindranath Dabare and Counsel Sawanthi Ponnamperuma appeared for the petitioners, under the guidance of Attorney‑at‑Law Nilmali Wickramasinghe. (Newswire)

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The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has raised concerns that recent coal consignments suspected to be of inferior quality may contain elevated mercury levels, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

According to The Island newspaper, Chairperson of CEJ, environmental scientist Hemantha Withanage, environmentalists have cautioned that Sri Lanka still lacks binding standards on mercury content in imported coal, leaving communities near the Norochcholai coal power plant vulnerable to contamination.

“International studies show that mercury content in coal can vary significantly. For example, research on South African coal indicates a range between 0.01 and 0.49 ppm. However, Sri Lanka has still not established a maximum permissible mercury level for imported coal,” Withanage noted.

He explained that while the environmental protection licence for the Norochcholai plant allows mercury emissions of up to 0.01 mg/Nm³, regulating emissions alone is inadequate without controlling mercury levels at the source.

The CEJ believes mercury released during coal combustion at Norochcholai may enter the marine environment, eventually accumulating in fish consumed by local communities. 

“A 2018 CEJ study conducted in the Kalpitiya peninsula, near Puttalam, found alarming levels of mercury exposure among women of childbearing age.  According to the study, 28 out of 36 women, approximately 77%, had mercury levels in hair samples exceeding the internationally accepted safety threshold of 1 ppm. The most disturbing finding was a recorded level of 15.584 ppm in one individual. These women were regular consumers of fish from the Puttalam lagoon, suggesting a bioaccumulation pathway,” Withanage explained. 

He warned that mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can transform into methylmercury and enter the food chain, disproportionately affecting coastal and fishing populations.

Environmentalists are now urging urgent action, including the introduction of national standards for mercury content in imported coal, mandatory independent testing of all coal consignments, and comprehensive health assessments of communities living near the power plant. (Newswire)

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The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has urged the Government to suspend the proposal to issue firearms to farmers to control damage to crops caused by wild elephants and other animals. 

The plea was made via a Letter of Demand (LoD) sent yesterday to the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.

In its LoD, the CEJ calls for the immediate suspension of the initiative, warning that the proposed policy would accelerate elephant deaths, which have seen a significant increase in the recent past.

The CEJ highlighted that the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance makes it a non-bailable offence to harm or kill wild elephants. 

According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, 232 elephants have died between January and mid-July this year, mostly due to human-related causes.

“In the event of your failure to take action as herein demanded, we will pursue further legal action, including recovery of the cost of suit, without further reference,” the CEJ warned.

The LoD has been sent after a letter issued by the Defence Ministry on 11 July on the proposal to issue firearms to farmers to control damage caused to crops by wild elephants and other animals. (Newswire)

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The Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has urged the government to implement the tax on single-use plastics as stated in the Supreme Court case (No. SCFR 220/21). 

According to a statement from the CEA, its Chairman Hemantha Withanage has sent a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in this regard.

The CEJ states another environmental problem facing Sri Lanka is the excessive generation of plastic waste, and it is estimated that about 20 million plastic bags are thrown away every day, in addition to other plastics. This amount of waste poses a significant threat to the environment and public health.

Although legislation was introduced in 2008 to impose a conservation levy on plastic bags, its implementation was prevented by the decision of the SCFR 368/2008 case filed against it. Against this, on 20 July 2021, the Centre for Environmental Justice and its Chairman Hemantha Withanage filed a Fundamental Rights Petition No. SCFR 220/21 in the Supreme Court. The petition calls for manufacturers to develop practical procedures to reduce the production of polyethylene, and for consumers to implement practical procedures to reduce the use of single-use plastics. In this case, SCFR 368/2008, the petitioner, the Government, the Consumer Affairs Authority of Sri Lanka, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), and other parties, as parties, reached a settlement on 28th March 2024, agreeing to impose a tax on single-use shopping bags as a step to resolve the dispute over plastic pollution.

However, due to the laxity seen in this regard during the previous government, the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury did not take steps to establish such a fund, and therefore, this decision was not implemented. Although the Consumer Affairs Authority lifted the ban on charging a price for bags imposed in 2008 without imposing a surcharge, shopkeepers should do both at the same time, as they are earning a profit from the sale.

“We believe that if we impose a price on plastic bags, it will reduce the number of discarded bags to some extent, and the proposed tax could generate a revenue of approximately Rs. 15 million per day, which could be effectively used for environmental conservation and waste management initiatives. 

“However, nine months after the settlement, the agreed course of action has yet to be implemented. This delay undermines efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.

“We would also like to draw your attention to the global trend of implementing laws and policies aimed at minimizing, discouraging, or prohibiting the use of certain drugs. Ireland, most European countries, as well as several African and Asian countries, including Kenya and Rwanda, have successfully introduced taxes and other regulatory measures to reduce the use of single-use plastics. These initiatives have proven effective in significantly reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable uses,” it said.

According to the CEJ, currently, discussions are underway under the auspices of the United Nations on a global agreement to limit the use of plastic, which also includes plans to ban these single-use plastics.

Therefore, considering the urgency of this matter, the Center for Environmental Justice has requested the urgent attention of the President to ensure that the court settlement of SCFR 220/21 is implemented accordingly.

“We would like to inform you that by implementing this surcharge, Sri Lanka will be able to take a significant step towards reducing plastic waste while also freeing up much-needed funds for environmental conservation and sustainable development,” the CEJ added. (Newswire)

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The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has raised concerns about the presence of hazardous Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs) concealed within everyday consumer products. 

Following its research findings on water-repellant textiles and personal care products, the CEJ reveals exposures to chemicals like PFDA (perfluorooctanoic acid, A persistent Organic Pollutant), parabens, and triclosan in commonly used items, posing a considerable threat to public health.

A CEJ statement says it detected PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid) in water-repellent garments purchased locally, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action. In the said study an apron and a jacket purchased from Sri Lanka had PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid), 2.6 and 2.7 ppb respectively. The samples were tested at Charles University in the Czech Republic. 

The personal care hygiene products were also tested in Wonjin Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health, for 9 types of Parabens and triclosan which are identified as EDCs. Out of 30 samples tested 6 were detected to have three types of parabens; methylparaben (0.07 – 2823.2 μg/g), Propylparaben (0.03 – 14.20 μg/g), and Butylparaben (75.07 μg/g).

“We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to follow the lead of progressive brands such as Deuter, Jack Wolfskin, Mammut, ORTOVOX, Polartec and Vaude that have announced a ban on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) use in their products. Also having restrictions on selected Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is pointless rather, measures should prioritize consumer safety and ban all the PFAS as a group”, Chalani Rubesinghe, Project planning and mgt. officer, Centre for Environmental Justice.

Moreover, the CEJ’s research reveals a concerning lack of transparency in product labelling, with one among 6 samples falsely declaring themselves “paraben-free”. 

“Consumers have a right to accurate information. There should be stringent penalties for deceptive labelling practices, enabling consumers to make informed choices about their purchases”, emphasizes, Chalani Rubesinghe, Project planning and mgt. officer, Centre for Environmental Justice.

The CEJ’s recommendations extend beyond mere regulation, advocating for the autonomy of Sri Lanka in setting stringent standards independent of EU directives. 

“Our nation must prioritize the health of its citizens over economic consideration, by eliminating EDCs from production standards, we safeguard the well-being of current and future generations, As a committed defender of environmental justice, CEJ remains committed to its mission of ensuring chemical safety in consumer products. We urge policymakers to heed our findings and take decisive action to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of EDCs to build a future where health and sustainability prevail”, Dilena Pathragoda, Executive Director, Centre for Environmental Justice. 

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) is a leading national-level environmental organization working for the promotion of Environmental Good Governance and Environmental Justice. CEJ engages in scientific research, policy advocacy, environmental litigation and promoting citizen science. CEJ continues its active engagement to ensure chemical safety in consumer products for the sake of present as well as future generations. (NewsWire)

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A recent investigation conducted by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has found select consumer items to contain Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs) which could cause damage to hormones in certain quantities.

Issuing a statement, the CEJ revealed that the chemicals were found in select consumer items, such as hand wash, feminine wash, anti-virus wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, an apron, and a raincoat, all purchased in Sri Lanka.

The CEJ further said that in-depth testing of textile samples involved assessing Extractable Organic Fluorine (EOF/ TEOF) and 58 targeted PFAS, while personal care products underwent analysis for the presence of Parabens and triclosan.

The full statement by the CEJ is as follows;

Detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water-Repellent Clothing

Exploring the Impact: Scientists have underscored the endocrine-disruptive properties of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS exposure can transpire through various routes, including occupational exposure in firefighting or with chemical products, consumption of contaminated food, inhalation of air containing PFAS, and usage of products made or packaged with PFAS-containing materials. This silent threat poses significant risks to both humans and the environment due to their prolonged persistence and accumulation. PFASs exhibit high mobility in air, water, and soil, contributing to their considerable environmental persistence.

Unveiling Health Concerns: According to a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, these chemicals have been linked to potential damage to the liver, kidneys, thyroid, reproductive system, and cancer. Associations have also been identified with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, as well as impacts on the nervous system, brain development, and hormones. Moreover, PFAS can be transmitted from mothers to babies through cord blood and breast milk, potentially causing developmental issues in infants if exposure levels are elevated. Their water solubility further elevates the risk of exposure to aquatic animals, compounding the environmental impact.

Study Findings: In October 2022, Sri Lanka submitted six textile samples, including a T-shirt, jackets, an apron, and a raincoat from 6 distinct manufacturers, to the Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Czech Republic, for laboratory testing. This study, conducted in collaboration with IPEN, Arnika, and other partner organizations, identified PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid) in two out of the six samples from Sri Lanka, with concentrations of 2.7 ng/g in an apron and 2.6 ng/g in a raincoat.

In the comprehensive global study involving 72 samples from 13 countries, 16 samples (22%) were found to contain at least one Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) exceeding the EU recommended level of 25 ppb (ng/g). Countries with samples identified as PFAS-treated or -contaminated included Czechia (10), Serbia (1), Netherlands (1), Germany (1), UK (1), Sri Lanka (2), Thailand (6), Bangladesh (5), India (5), United States of America (7), Montenegro (3), and Kenya (4). These results raise concerns about potential exposure through imported and gifted products from these countries.

The report, released by IPEN, underscores the necessity of regulating all PFAS substances rather than specific groups. Encouragingly, 26 samples (36%) showed no detection of PFAS, indicating the feasibility and potential availability of PFAS-free products. Notably, companies such as Deuter, Jack Wolfskin, Mammut, ORTOVOX, Polartec, and Vaude have already implemented a ban on PFAS in their products, validating the study’s findings.

Presence of Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs) in Personal Care Products: Legal Permissions vs. Scientific Scrutiny

Exploring the Impact: The impact of Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals on hormone functions and associated health risks is a prominent concern in the scientific community. Although certain chemicals are subject to regulation under national and international standards, their continued detection in consumer products raises significant questions. It’s noteworthy that some of these chemicals pose a more considerable risk to aquatic biodiversity than to humans, a factor that appears overlooked in the process of setting standards.

This study, conducted in collaboration with the Wonjin Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health in Korea, involved the collection of 30 samples across eight product categories—hand wash (4), toothpaste (6), body wash (5), mouthwash (3), feminine wash (3), baby wipes (4), anti-virus wipes (2), and deodorant (3). These samples were sent to Korea for laboratory testing.

The examination focused on detecting Methylparaben (E number E218), Ethylparaben (E214), Propylparaben (E216), Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutyl paraben, Pentylparaben, Phenylparaben, Benzylparaben, Triclosan, and Triclocarban.

Unveiling Health Concerns: Research Highlights Negative Health Consequences of Paraben-Containing Food, Medicines, and Cosmetics. Studies indicate potential risks, including endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity (ability to cause defects in a developing foetus), reproductive toxicology, and adipogenesis (the process by which fat-laden cells, called adipocytes, develop and accumulate as adipose tissue at various sites in the body), alongside psychosocial issues linked to perinatal and childhood exposure. Notably, a study on young Chinese adults underscores that urinary concentrations of Parabens in women are double those found in men, emphasizing a higher risk for females.

Triclosan, commonly found in personal care products, can be absorbed through the skin and oral mucosa. Its structural resemblance to anthropogenic oestrogens, coupled with proven endocrine-disrupting effects similar to polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins, raises concerns. Researchers also warn of the potential for triclosan to foster drug-resistant bacteria. Strong evidence from studies highlights the toxicity of triclosan to algae and its reproductive and developmental effects on some fish.

Study Findings: Test results unveiled the presence of Methylparaben ranging from 0.07 to 2823.2 μg/g in 8 samples, Propylparaben ranging from 0.03 to 14.20 μg/g in 3 samples, and 75.07 μg/g of Butylparaben in one sample. Although none surpassed national and EU standards for these chemicals, the study suggests revisiting these standards considering their endocrine-disruptive properties, detection in human samples, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to aquatic organisms.

Acknowledgment: CEJ extends heartfelt appreciation to IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination Network) and ARNIKA, a Czech non-profit organization, along with the Wonjin Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health (WIOEH) and the Korea Financial Industry Foundation (KIFI) for their invaluable support and funding, contributing to the successful completion of this study. (NewsWire)

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The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has raised concerns over the alleged illegal importation of 330 foreign birds from Suriname.

Issuing a statement, the CEJ said the birds had arrived via a private plane at Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).

“The person responsible for this import did not have the necessary license, and despite the license issues, the birds were not prevented from being delivered to the person concerned,” the environmental organization revealed.

The CEJ has called on the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

The environmental organization warned that failure to act by the authorities within 14- days of their letter of demand, it will be forced to initiate necessary legal action in this regard. 

The full letter of the CEJ:

Illegal Importation of Exotic Birds and Violations of Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance

Centre for Environmental Justice (Guarantee) Limited, Mr. Withanage Don Hemantha Ranjith Sisira Kumara, Director and Senior Advisor, Centre for Environmental Justice and Mr. Pathragoda Kankanamge Dilena, the Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Justice all of 20A, Kuruppu Road, Colombo 08 sent a Letter of Demand addressing the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation and Director General of Department of Wildlife Conservation regarding the illegal importation of exotic birds and violations of fauna and flora protection ordinance.

Recent reports, reveal the illegal importation of 330 exotic birds from Suriname via a private plane that arrived at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Mattala. The individual responsible for this importation did not possess the required license, and despite permit issues, the birds were not prevented from being released.

It has come to Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) attention that a shipment of these birds, following an earlier importation, was prevented from being released due to a lack of documents and permits. However, the birds are currently held under the custody of animal quarantine and allowed ‘safe custody’ at the premises of the importer in Hambantota until an investigation is completed.

CEJ deeply concerned about recent information indicating potential attempts by certain officials to unlawfully detain and grant licenses for the imported birds, exploiting a previously obtained license. This not only raises significant legal issues but also poses a severe threat to our environment, demanding immediate and thorough attention.

According to section 43 of the Customs Ordinance, if any goods enumerated in the table of prohibitions and restrictions in Schedule F shall be imported or brought into Sri Lanka contrary to the prohibitions and restrictions contained in such table in respect thereof, such goods shall be forfeited, and shall be destroyed or disposed of as the Director General of Customs may direct.

Importing exotic birds without proper permits is a direct violation of Section 37 of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. It is crucial to underline that neither Sri Lanka Customs nor the Wildlife Conservation Department has the authority to recommend re-licensing for illegally imported birds, and maintaining possession of these birds by the alleged perpetrator is legally flawed.

In light of the above, CEJ urgently request from the relevant Authorities to take the following comprehensive actions:

• Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the illegal importation of exotic birds and take appropriate legal action against those responsible for violating the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
• Assess the origin of the birds, given Suriname’s notorious reputation for bird and animal smuggling from the Amazon rainforest. Investigate the potential risks of diseases that these birds may carry, considering the high chances of them being wild-caught.
• Ensure that the remaining birds are securely held in a location that strictly adheres to proper quarantine standards. This is imperative to protect both the imported birds and native wildlife from potential diseases that could have severe consequences for our ecosystem.
• Keep the public informed about the steps being taken to address this issue and ensure transparency in the investigative and corrective process.

In the event of their failure to respond to this demand as to what action/s they propose to take in keeping with the statutory cum constitutional duty imposed upon them within 14 days of the receipt of this demand, please be informed that not only would CEJ regard the content of this letter having being admitted but also that it would be construed CEJ in law as an inaction on their part and a refusal to perform them said statutory cum Constitutional duty which would compel CEJ to seek and pursue appropriate legal action in an appropriate judicial forum. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka faces the possibility of losing a compensation claim of approximately US$ 10 billion if it fails to initiate legal action pertaining to the MV X-Press Pearl ship fire in the next 45 days, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) said.

According to Ceylon Today, the CEJ said in its latest report that as per Sri Lanka’s law, a compensation claim must be filed within two years of the incident, that is 29th May 2023.

As of now, there is a request for US$ 6.4 billion as compensation for the harm caused to the marine environment and various other effects caused to Sri Lanka. 

Based on legal advice, the existing legal precedents in Sri Lanka are sufficient to receive compensation.

However, at present, the Cabinet, the Ministry of Justice, together with the Attorney General’s Department, have taken the decision to conduct legal proceedings in Singapore, creating a sense of uncertainty, CEJ pointed out.

Stating that the government has reportedly been advised by an Australian to follow the procedure, the CEJ stated that the Singaporean authorities are already preparing for the necessary procedures and both Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe are aware of the situation.

The CEJ report further stated that it has also been learnt that Sri Lanka has borrowed USD 4.5 million to fund this endeavour.

The CEJ added that, however, the failure to file a compensation claim before the required time period would be a failure on the part of the Attorney General’s Department and the Cabinet of Ministers. (NewsWire)

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The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has called on the Sri Lanka Police to adhere to the Police circular on regulations pertaining to noise with regard to the “deep Jungle Music and Cultural Festival” which has been organized close to the Galoya Forest reserve.

Issuing a statement, the CEJ said that an entity called Deep Jungle Entertainment (PVT) Ltd has organized the “deep Jungle Music and Cultural Festival” from 17- 19th February 2023 under the patronage of some of the Government authorities next to the “Galoya Forest Reserve”.

The CEJ pointed out that noise levels must be considered as the Galoya Forest Reserve is a well-known elephant corridor in Habarana, which connects the Hurulu Eco Park to Kaudulla and Minneriya national parks.

Full statement:

We have learned that an entity called Deep Jungle Entertainment (PVT) Ltd has organized the “deep Jungle Music and Cultural Festival” under the patronage of some of the Government authorities next to the “Galoya forest Reserve ” a well-known elephant corridor in Habarana (which connect the Hurulu Eco Park to Kaudulla and Minneriya national parks) from 17- 19th February 2023.   

The organizers have obtained support and permission from the President’s office, the Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Public Security, and others. However, final conditional approval has been issued by the Department of Forest Conservation and the approval highlights the fact that the said location is adjacent to a Reserve Forest. As we have learned 150- 200 elephants cross this elephant corridor daily.  Yet, the Department of Wildlife Conservation has given a letter stating this land does not come under the purview of the DWLC. Meanwhile, we have learned that the Ministry of Forest and Wildlife was even not aware of the event. 

Considering the fact that the area is a very active elephant habitat, Forest Department has requested the organizers to maintain low noise levels. The Forest Department has warned about elephant movements on the bund of the Karandagaswewa reservoir and advised against staying on the bund of the tank, especially during the nighttime.

As we know, the animal kingdom responds to noise very differently. Hearing ranges from very high-frequency ultrasound (>20,000 Hz) echolocation in bats to very low-frequency infrasound (<20 Hz) in elephants. In addition to that the forest is considered a silent zone as any noise can disturb the wild animals.  

Police circular No. 2031\2007, issued by the Inspector General of Police fully prohibits the use of sound-producing equipment from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The recent judgment for the case MC 64172/6 against Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero on the use of loudspeakers at Alan Matiniyaramaya was based on this Police circular. 

In the supreme court case bearing no.SCFR 38/2005, Al Haj M.T.M. Ashik and four others, Trustees of Kapuwatta Mohideen Jumma Mosque, Denipitiya, Weligama v. R.P.S.Bandula, O.I.C Weligama and nine others, Court made directions restricting the use of loudspeakers in a manner that impacts adversely on the general public. According to the aforementioned judgement, the emission of noise by the use of amplifiers, loudspeakers or other equipment which causes annoyance to the public or the people in general who dwell or occupy property in the vicinity, be considered a public nuisance. It directs the police to entertain complaints and take appropriate action for the abatement of such public nuisance.

It states the procedure of issuing all permits issued by the police under section 80 (1) of the Police Ordinance. That no permits will be issued for the use of loudspeakers and other instruments for the amplification of noise, during the period of 10.00 pm-06.00 am. Such permits may be issued for special religious functions and other special events only after ascertaining the views of persons who occupy land premises in the vicinity, and issuing any such permit shall be done only with the prior approval of the nearest Magistrates Court.

It further states that during hours between 10.00 pm- 06.00 am noise emitted from amplifying instruments should not extend the precincts of the particular premises. Where a permit is issued, a police officer should be designated and posted to ensure that the above-mentioned conditions are adhered to.

We believe the proposed activities during the music festival such as electronic music and busy human gathering will exceed the noise level way above the permissible levels and the agencies which granted the permission are not in a position to neutralize the discomfort of wild animals including elephants. Bright lighting will be harmful to wild animals and also chase including elephants. This area is known for elephant train accidents. There is a possibility of disturbed elephants being hit by trains or entering the residential areas and damaging the properties of the local people.

We already know that a carnival held in Galgamuwa caused property damage as it blocked an elephant corridor.

Elephants in Minneriya already have lost their habitats due to the increased water level of the tank after releasing water from the Moragahakanda reservoir.  It destroyed the most famous Asia elephant herd which approximately contained 350 elephants. Those elephants are now scattered in the area, and some are living in the forest area adjacent to the said festival ground. Hurulu Eco Park and this corridor are the only locations which provide a chance for tourists to see elephants in Habarana. According to some experts, each elephant from Minneriya can bring up to 19 million Sri Lankan Rupees annually.

Therefore we think that authorities which were involved in supporting this event including the Presidential secretariat, Prime Minister’s office, and Sri Lanka Tourism Development  Authority have acted irresponsibly by approving such a damaging activity/project in elephant habitat.  We wonder whether those Authorities understand the damage they do when they support such destructive activities in sensitive wildlife habitats. We are very disappointed by the role played by top-level decision-makers who supported this activity. We believe that this action sets a bad precedent.

In this situation, we seek the government authorities including the President and the Prime Minister to take full responsibility for the damage yet to happen.  We demand the relevant authorities immediately cancel the approvals given and that the organizers move the event to another location where our natural environment and animals are not affected.

We also demand the Inspector General of Police, Conservator General of Forest and Director General of Wildlife to adhere to the police circular 2031/2007 and to the provisions of the Environment impact assessment, when conducting any project in the buffer zone of any Forest reserve and of any National reserve. Any failure to monitor and maintain the law of this country will be strictly dealt and legal action will be taken against those who are responsible for such violations and failures. (NewsWire)

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